NEW BUDGET PROPOSAL: POTENTIAL IMPACT / K-12 education

The governor wants to spend $40.5 billion from the general fund for K-12 education, up slightly from his January proposal and 1.2 percent more than is being spent this fiscal year. For classroom spending, that translates to $8,681 per pupil, up from $8,569. Career-technical education gets a big boost, with $25 million for vocational counselors, $100 million for equipment, and $50 million for nursing programs.

The bottom line

Besides students aiming to study a trade, winners are growing districts. Less lucky are those like San Francisco and Oakland with declining enrollments. San Francisco, for example, would get about $12 million more than last year, up from $11.5 million in January. But it's about $5 million less than last year because 1,000 students will leave.

The politics

Unlike in years past, this year's battle won't be about education. "There won't be a whole lot of recommendations -- but some," said Sen. Jack Scott (D-Altadena, Los Angeles County), head of the education committee. But declining enrollment districts are far less pleased, and are looking for a fix in Sacramento. "It sounds great -- giving you extra money -- but in reality, you're not getting the full effect," said Joe Grazioli, chief financial officer for San Francisco schools.